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" . . . a compelling study of how social identities and relationships are constructed and reconstructed through action, specifically through speech." --Robert Launay

For four days in 1985, thousands of griots from all parts of the Mande world gathered to talk, sing, and make music in celebration of the opening of the new Hall of Griots and the installation of the recently named Head Griot. This unprecedented assembly also marked the end of a deadly two-year conflict fought with griot weapons--words, reputations, and sorcery.This exceptional book offers surprising and important insights into the multiple meanings of Mande culture, caste, and identity. ... Read more

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This book aims to examine the impact of fiscal decentralizationon subnational resource mobilization capacity, and on macroeconomicstability, in four African countries. Field research conducted inBenin, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mali, constituted the basis for arigorous and detailed examination of the decentralization process ineach country.One of the intriguing findings is that increased subnational taxautonomy significantly reduces the size of the central government andimproves the central government budget balance in the samplecountries. Recommendations are: (a) the design and implementation ofdecentralization mechanisms must be based on the principles ofstability, transparency, accountability, and equity; (b) frequentdialogue between the central and sub-national governments, and anactive association and cooperation of local and regional levels ofgovernment in the formulation of macroeconomic objectives will improvethe chances of successful decentralization programs; (c) authoritiesmust heighten their campaigns to educate local populations ondecentralization reforms. Full and educated participation of allcitizens at the grassroots level is critical to the success ofdecentralization programs.In all, the book focuses its analysis on the capacity of localcommunities in Africa for autonomous development and self-governance,and that, is a refreshing addition to the literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Critique of a Compelling and Extraordinary Book
The ways in which Dr. Boko analyzed the economical developments in many West African countries was outstanding.He was able to convey a detailed and well organized examination of the impact of the fiscal decentralization on subnational resource mobilization capacity and macroeconomic stability.

Usually economic books are extremely dense and quite frankly "hard reads" but Decentralization and Reform in Africa was not.Indeed it was thought-provoking and complex, but Boko seemed to relate ideas and recommendations in an understandably unique fashion.

In the end, it was quite simply a great read.I look forward to future works by this author. ... Read more

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In a remote area of Mali, West Africa, the people called Dogon survive today as they have for thousands of years: in mud-brick houses below the Bandiagara cliffs. In the sandy plains, they grow the millet and sorghum they need to live. This arresting photographic portrait allows us privileged access to their traditional way of life, remarkably maintained today even after extensive contact with Western civilization.

Stephenie HollymanÂ’s intimate pictures show a tightly knit, cooperative society engaging in daily activities and sacred rituals: planting and harvesting crops, creating crafts, and performing varied religious ceremonies, most notably the masked dances with which the Dogon celebrate the honored burial of their dead. Walter van BeekÂ’s engaging narrative displays the authority and observant eye of an anthropologist who has long lived among the people he writes about. This astonishing volume will find a rapt audience among readers of AbramsÂ’ acclaimed African Ceremonies and other popular books on vanishing African tribal customs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good pictures and very good texts
The book is very good. Make a jorney in one of the Africa most interesting tribe. You will enjoy it. Good for those who have never been among dogons and even for those who have been there. You will find a lot of interesting information. Some pictures are not excellent but anyway I would recommend this book. It is very deep. ... Read more